The Senate on Tuesday passed the Data Privacy Act (Senate Bill No. 2965) on third and final reading.

The bill, authored by Sen. Edgardo Angara, mandates public and private entities to protect and preserve the integrity, security and confidentiality of personal data collected in its operations. It emphasizes the importance of compliying with international data security standards.

“We should lay down the basis for companies to be responsible in maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of digital data,” Angara said, in a statement.

The Data Privacy Act is also expected to allay concerns over the security of personal data being handled by employees of business process outsourcing companies in the Philippines.